Wetang’ula casting the vote at Namakhele in Chwele Kabuchai ward for the Ford Kenya candidate on Thursday last week….Photo/IP
NAIROBI,IP reporter
The message is direct, sharp and unavoidable: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula must return to the people, tear down the political curtains shielding him and urgently rebuild Ford–Kenya before the party’s support collapses further.
Political strategists say Wetang’ula’s first task is to reconcile with foes in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma, mend broken relationships and speak directly to voters — not through the brokers who have increasingly walled him off from the ground reality.
Ford–Kenya’s devastating defeat in the Chwele–Kabuchai Ward by-election, where the party failed to secure even a single polling station, has been described as a political alarm bell.
The civic by election was won by Independent candidate Erick Wekesa supported by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga,the Speaker’s political foes.
Analysts say the loss was not just a defeat — it was a referendum on the leadership style, arrogance of handlers and tone-deafness within the party.
“This shows the party is losing trust at home,” one senior strategist said. “If Namakhele Polling Centre can reject Ford–Kenya, what confidence will aspirants have in the party across Bungoma?”
Local elders warn that Bukusu voters react strongly to disrespect, ignored calls, or the behaviour of those close to a leader.
They insist Wetang’ula must apologize for the missteps of his political brokers, fire unpopular gatekeepers and personally reconnect with the community.
But even as the criticism mounts, observers caution voters against letting anger overshadow what Wetang’ula has delivered.
Despite the current frustrations, Wetang’ula has lobbied for major national projects in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia and secured high-profile state appointments for the region under the Kenya Kwanza government — influence no Western leader has wielded in recent decades.
As a co-principal with Ruto and Mudavadi he has elevated Western Kenya to levels of national inclusion unseen under previous regimes with serious infrastructure projects funded by national government.
Still, the political terrain around him is shifting fast.
In politics, numbers on the table matter more than titles.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has proved he can deliver Mt. Kenya East.
He spent most of his time in Mt Kenya villages while the Speaker appeared on the ground periodically.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has demonstrated strength in Kakamega by election wether critics say it’s with the help of Farouk Kibet.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has moved numbers in Nyanza and retained ODM seats.
Kalonzo Musyoka remains one of the most reliable mobilizers in Ukambani even though he’s in the opposition.
What about Wetang’ula and Rigathi Gachagua?
The question now hangs heavily: What numbers is Wetang’ula putting forward — and how many are being lost?
For Rigathi Gachagua it’s a story for another day.
Wetang’ula’s once-solid base is steadily being chipped away by George Natembeya, Wycliffe Wangamati and Majimbo Kalasinga, who are capitalizing on the voter frustrations his (Wetang’ula)brokers have created.
Insiders fear Wetang’ula’s national trajectory — widely seen as promising beyond 2028 — is being compromised by blind political advisors, especially those within the Bungoma County Assembly.
Many now wonder whether Wetang’ula acted on NIS intelligence before the Kabuchai by-election — or whether he relied on misleading local operatives who completely misread the ground.
The warning from the region is unmistakable:
Return to the ground. Listen. Apologize. Overhaul your inner circle. Rebuild Ford–Kenya. Protect the gains you’ve already delivered.
Despite the projects, influence and senior appointments he has secured, numbers — not history — will decide the next political chapter.
